Rangers boost as Celtic star Reo Hatate ruled out of Old Firm clash with injury
Rangers have been handed a boost ahead of next month’s Old Firm clash with Celtic as Reo Hatate has suffered an injury, according to Mail Plus.
Writing on their official website (16 August), the newspaper report that the Japan international has suffered a grade two calf tear and is now a “significant” doubt for the clash at Ibrox.
Rangers are already three points behind Celtic in the title race after losing their opening game of the season, and will see the game as the perfect opportunity to close the gap and build momentum for a title charge.
“Reo Hatate faces a race against time to be fit for Celtic’s Old Firm trip to Ibrox to face arch-rivals Rangers at the start of next month,” they wrote.
“A half-time substitute in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Aberdeen, the Japanese midfielder lasted 25 minutes before succumbing to a calf injury.
“Mail Sport understands that tests revealed a grade two calf tear, with an anticipated recovery time of three or four weeks. The champions travel to Ibrox to meet Michael Beale’s side on September 3, with Hatate now a significant doubt.”
Excellent
The squad we have is arguably stronger than Celtic’s right now on paper, but when we look at the performances on the pitch Rangers are not looking super strong right now.
Performances have been a bit lacklustre and a lot of it can be put down to the sheer number of new faces that are in the squad, with relationships and familiarity needing to be built.
But against Celtic we will need to be at our very best, and if they’re weakened by an injury to a key player then that can only be a positive thing for us.
Hatate has been key for them for several years and a big reason why they have won the last two league titles, so not having him as part of their side will be a big boost for Michael Beale.
Our midfield has been revamped and looks strong, so this will be a big chance for us to set a marker down and show we’re serious title contenders this season.
In other Rangers news, Premier League club want to sign Ibrox striker sensation.